African Studies Minor

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Program Overview

Students in the African Studies Minor will explore African history, culture, economies, political systems and artistic expression. A study of Africa provides students with a complex and rich understanding of the most important political issues now being directly faced: environmental degradation, sharing of resources, neocolonialism, challenges faced by the nation-state, pandemics, and gender inequality. Students in this program will explore the interconnections with Europe, Asia and America; Africa’s central role in world history and processes of globalization; African, Caribbean and African-American cultural and artistic responses to modernity; racism, and liberation.

Complementary Programs:

Major or Minor Programs in International Development Studies, Political Science, History, English, Women’s and Gender Studies, Critical Migration Studies and Sociology

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

1. Competencies & Skills

  • Understand connections between Africa’s past and present
  • Critically engage with African cultures and values
  • Examine selected issues in African ethnography
  • Gather, review, evaluate and interpret information
  • Present information and ideas clearly
  • Develop interdisciplinary analytical skills

2. Careers for Graduates

  • Activist
  • Ambassador
  • Charity Director
  • Community Worker
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Foreign Services Officer
  • Government Administrator
  • Historical Researcher
  • Institutional Researcher
  • Journalist
  • Lobbyist
  • Policy Advisor
  • Political Advisor

3. Further Education

  • Literature
  • History
  • Education
  • International Development
  • Political Science
  • Law School
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations

Program Pathway

Year 1
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
  • Get writing support and develop your Academic English skills at CTL's Writing Centre.
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • 1.0 credit from A-level, B-level, C-level and D-level courses (taken in Year 1-4 depending on level) in AFS, HIS, IDS and GAS courses (check UTSC Calendar for details).
  • Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

  • Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus (e.g., apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment)).

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

  • Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

  • 2.0 credits from A-level, B-level, C-level and D-level courses (taken in Year 1-4 depending on level) in AFS, IDS, HIS, ENG, FRE, GGR, LLG, POL and WGS (check UTSC Calendar for details).
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Attend the Summer & Full-Time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job  opportunities on CLNx.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
  • Speak to your Program Advisor about applying to grad studies and get your personal statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Contacts

Did You Know

The minor includes courses in Anthropology, Political Science, English, Art, Classics, History and Women’s Studies.